Page 142 of The Heir's Bargain

"But—"

"No," I said, shaking my head despite the throbbing pain in my side. "No buts and no excuses. If you are going to blame anyone, blame me, but never yourself."

His lips parted, but I gave him one look, and he snapped his mouth shut.

"Never blame yourself, Fynn," I repeated.

After a second, he nodded and sat at the edge of the bed. I tried to move and make more room for him, but Fynn pushed me back down with a gentle hand.

I wanted to fight back, but at his touch, I almost gasped. His palm was cool against my collarbone, a welcome kiss on my scorching skin as the medication worked overtime.

The pit of my stomach twisted, and I squeezed my eyes shut.

He sat back, yet the feeling lingered.

It's the fever, I told myself. Nothing more.

"I'm not some fragile princess, Fynn," I said, trying to forget his touch.

Fynn chuckled, reaching forward and brushing a stray curl behind my ear. "I never said you were, nor did I say I wanted you to be."

His tone was light, yet his words were lead in my stomach. Quint's question the night of the attack surfaced, but this was not the time to have that discussion.

Fynn pointed at the discolored bandage. "When was the last time they changed this?"

I shrugged. The wrapping no doubt needed to be changed, and based on the stench of sea and pine on my skin, I also needed a proper bath.

Putting aside my pride, I sighed and asked, "Could you get Helena? Let her know I would like to take a bath?"

"I'll help you," Fynn said, already standing.

My eyes widened. Fynn might have seen my body before, but he hadn't seen the scars. I hadn't even seen them. It was one thing for him to say I was not weak, but if he saw the truth. . .

"That's a kind offer but not necessary," I mumbled.

Fynn brushed a hand across the bottom of my chin, tipping my face up. "Let me help you, Ferrios. Please."

I had expected to see pity covering Fynn's countenance, but I only found concern, sorrow, and desperation.

Unclenching my jaw, I released the blanket. "All right."

Fynn smiled and nodded before turning around. He slapped the edge of the door frame and disappeared into my bathing chambers.

Chapter 41

FYNN

My mind was a sea of thoughts, but, for once, they only belonged to me. Because when Dani hissed as she stood, red rage heated my blood. It soared from my toes to the pit of my stomach to my temples. It was territorial and overbearing. It was absolutely and completely primal.

And it went against everything Dani believed in and fought for.

She didn't want someone protecting her.

She didn't want someone controlling her.

She was the fighter, the warrior.

If Dani knew what I was thinking, she would push me away. She would believe I was trying to take everything she was away from her.

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